Q: Word is you’re related to Kendrick Lamar. How has that connection influenced your music and your belief in making it in the industry?
Soundgaud: Yeah, that’s my family — since the days of syrup sandwiches at our granny Estelle’s house. Rest in peace to her. Kendrick actually looked up to my older brother, who was the first big rapper in our family. He even has two songs with Kendrick, including “FEAR.” on Kendrick’s DAMN. album.
Growing up, I admired Kendrick a lot — not just his talent, but the kind of person he was. Watching him rap like my brother made me want to start writing, too. But it was really listening to The Eminem Show CD as a kid that taught me how to write music.
I always knew Kendrick would be something special. Before my grandma passed, she said we’d all be stars — and she pointed me out when I was just a kid. At the time, I didn’t understand what she meant. Then Kendrick took off, and it hit me: maybe she saw something in me, too. That gives me faith that I can make it. I miss her a lot.
Q: Do you think your music will connect you more with your family’s legacy, or set you apart from it?
Soundgaud: I think my music can bring us closer together — or at least, I hope it does. It might push some people away too, but deep down I miss how we used to all hang out at family cookouts and just enjoy being around each other. I don’t think I’m trying to be different from my family; I’m just being myself and letting the music speak.
Q: How did you come up with the name “Soundgaud,” and what does it say about you as an artist?
Soundgaud: I gave myself that name because I love all kinds of music — R&B, rap, rock, classic rock, everything. I want to be known for sound, not just one genre. I spelled it differently so no one else would have it. There’s someone with a similar name now, but I’ve had mine for a long time. That’s also why I go by “aka 444k” — to stand out even more.
Q: What’s the best song you’ve made so far?
Soundgaud: Definitely Newmeric Mover. That one’s on all platforms. But I’m also really proud of One Drink. That one’s still coming, but it has a big vibe.
Q: Your cousin is considered one of the greatest lyricists alive. How do you stay true to yourself without living in his shadow?
Soundgaud: Honestly, it pushes me to be better. Seeing where he started and where he is now just reminds me that anything is possible if I keep working. It doesn’t feel like I’m in his shadow — it feels like I’m walking my own path, just like he did.
Q: If your music had a color palette, what would it look like? What kind of mood are you creating?
Soundgaud: It would look like a painting by Vincent van Gogh — full of emotion and depth. But it would also have the peaceful, positive vibe of a Bob Ross painting. I’m telling stories about the highs and lows of life, and I want people to feel both sides of that.
Q: What’s something outside of rap that inspires your writing?
Soundgaud: I get inspired by successful authors and athletes who came from nothing and made something of themselves. That drive and focus — I respect that a lot.
Q: What’s been the most humbling moment in your career so far?
Soundgaud: Being around successful artists at music video shoots while I didn’t have money or even a car. But I was still showing up, still writing. It made me realize: my time is coming, as long as I stay consistent and creative.
Q: If you had to pick a Kendrick lyric that describes where you’re at in life right now, what would it be?
Soundgaud: “Overly Dedicated.” That says it all.
Q: What’s something Kendrick has done for hip hop that no one else can really copy?
Soundgaud: Winning a Pulitzer Prize. That was huge. It showed the world that hip hop can be just as deep and important as any other art form.
Q: If Kendrick wasn’t your cousin, would you still look up to him the same way?
Soundgaud: Absolutely. Family or not, he’s one of the best to ever do it. He’s won awards most rappers never even dream of, and he’s incredibly creative. That’s what I respect most — originality and heart.
Q: What’s one feeling or vibe you’re trying to bring into your music right now that people aren’t hearing enough of?
Soundgaud: I’m really into making party and club music right now. I feel like that energy’s missing lately. That’s why I’m working on One Drink — I want it to be the kind of song people ask the DJ to play when they walk into the bar.
Q: How do you balance being vulnerable with showing strength in your lyrics?
Soundgaud: By being real. I tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s how people connect — when they see you’re not afraid to be yourself, flaws and all.
Q: If you could speak to your younger self in a song, what would you say?
Soundgaud: I’d tell him to keep pushing through the hate and hard times. Learn from the pain and don’t let it stop you. It’s all part of the process.
Don’t forget to check out Soundgaud’s new single “One Drink,” on all streaming platforms.
Connect with Soundgaud:
Music: Watch “ONE DRINK”
Instagram: @soundgaud_
